NEP Europe, the region’s leading provider of media services and part of NEP Group, today announced its delivery of innovative facilities and solutions for TV production company, Workerbee, supporting production of the Celebrity Bear Hunt reality series on Netflix. Tasked with providing a full range of custom-built solutions to endure some of the world’s most challenging environments – including ground fires, thunderstorms and other severe conditions - NEP’s technical expertise ensured a seamless operation throughout the nine-week production in Costa Rica.

With more than 30 engineers and technical experts from NEP’s UK team onsite, media services included:

• RF camera facilities enabling robust and reliable coverage across remote locations
• 50 PTZ cameras equipped with custom waterproof casings to withstand the tropical climate
• 1 Bear Pit mini-gallery and 2 fully operational production galleries with vision engineering, audio mixing, and remote camera operators controlling the PTZ cameras for dynamic coverage
• RF-equipped 4x4 vehicle and support unit for mobile operations
• A bespoke IP streaming solution for secure, real-time video and audio feeds from remote locations
• Over 430 hours of coverage captured across multiple remote and challenging locations

Unique Challenges of the Production

“This production tested every facet of our expertise,” said Tim Deacon, Technical Project Manager for NEP. “From the Costa Rican fires to the relentless rainy season to encounters with uncommon wildlife, we collaborated brilliantly with the team from Workerbee to constantly adapt and innovate, and this was critical to the overall success of the production. The unique solutions our teams provided ensured that the production team had full operational capabilities, no matter the conditions. We’re extremely proud to have been part of this, supporting Workerbee to bring Celebrity Bear Hunt to life for Netflix.”

The production spanned the Costa Rican fires and extended into the start of the rainy season. Fires were common in the region in 2024, requiring NEP to closely monitor the conditions to ensure crew and equipment were safe at all times. As production continued into the green season, heavy thunderstorms and lightning became another unique challenge. Combined with the salty sea air at the production’s main camp, these factors necessitated the deployment of waterproofed PTZ cameras, custom casings, and a reliable rotation of spare cameras to prevent any interruptions during the production.

The production also required advanced logistical planning and the ability to operate technology continuously with minimal downtime. NEP’s RF team provided unparalleled connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring of Bear Grylls and the celebrity cast, even in the densest jungle terrain. A mobile “Bear Pit” mini-gallery allowed directors to follow the action remotely, even when challenges occurred hours away from the main base.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Sustainable Solutions

NEP Europe utilised advanced RF solutions with specialised hardware from NEP Specialty Capture to ensure minimal weight and battery consumption. This provided comfort for PSC crews during long shooting days while still providing a powerful and robust RF signal, despite the challenges posed by thick jungle canopies. Additionally, space-based IP connectivity was utilised to establish reliable connections at base camp. This enabled seamless connectivity and private video streaming services, no matter the location required by the production.

Durability and Biodiversity

Costa Rica’s biodiverse environment required unique solutions to be available throughout the production process, including the protection of cabling, cameras, microphones and crew. Crews also encountered giant toads, scorpions, snakes, and local cattle, while safeguarding equipment from salty sea air, humidity, and extreme weather.

Pre-production field tests in the UK woodlands were key to refining equipment durability, including the design of custom backpacks for PSC crews operating in the jungle. NEP Europe’s experience in delivering high quality media services in extreme conditions continues to set industry standards.

As a market leader in reality-based unscripted entertainment content, NEP Europe leverages its global reach to support the world’s most prestigious brands, using decades of experience and innovation to ensure customers can deliver exceptional experiences to their audiences.

Celebrity Bear Hunt, featuring hosts Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls, is available to stream on Netflix.

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